The MSFE program aims to train students for careers with investment and commercial banks, asset management companies, economic and financial consulting firms, and policy-oriented organizations. The Master of Science in Financial Economics degree is a more analytical and quantitatively focused course of study in finance than that offered by Columbia Business School's MBA Program and is designed for students that prefer a shorter and more industry-oriented experience than the School's Doctoral Program.

Applicants who may also be considering MBA or PhD programs are encouraged to carefully review the academic differentials between the offerings to better understand the nature of preparation for post-program career opportunities.

The Career Management Center (CMC) at Columbia Business School works with students to help them build lifelong career management skills and leverage the Columbia Business School network. The small size of the program allows the CMC to target job search resources, tailoring these to the experience and needs of Master of Science students, including: